Things to do in Kamala

Snorkelling, diving, SUP and Phuket FantaSea

What we say:

As with elsewhere on Phuket, you're technically supposed to have a Second Class Helmsman's license to operate a jet ski but this is rarely checked, especially not by the guy whose job it is to rent out the jet skis. The easiest way to avoid any problems is to ride as a passenger. Both passenger and driver should always wear a life jacket.

Several Phuket beaches offer standup paddling (SUP) board rental and lessons, including Layan, Ao Yon, Bang Tao and on Kamala, Skyla's Restaurant rents out boards. This area is more suited to experienced SUPers because the waves can get high and a handful of rocky outcrops add an element of danger. Skyla's has boards for 300 baht per hour and offers lessons as well. If you're up for something even more adventurous, check out Stand Up Projects' multi-day SUP programmes, which include camping and cliff-jumping.

Out of the water, Phuket FantaSea is an over-the-top cultural theme park with a nightly performance that's been likened to a Vegas show with elephants. It gets rave reviews from adults and kids alike. Tickets are 1,500 and 1,900B including a buffet dinner at the humongous Golden Kinnaree Restaurant. Any hotel or travel office can sell you a ticket and charge an additional 300B for round-trip transportation. Phuket Fantasea is on the highway back off Kamala Beach -- you can't miss it.

About the author: Stuart McDonald
Stuart McDonald co-founded Travelfish.org with Samantha Brown in 2004. He has lived in Thailand, Cambodia and Indonesia, where he worked as an under-paid, under-skilled language teacher, an embassy staffer, a newspaper web-site developer and various other stuff. His favourite read is The Art of Travel by Alain de Botton and he spends most of his time in Bali, Indonesia.